Be Real Manchester

Say no to fake goods in your community.


Manchester is a creative city. Our music, sport and fashion separate us from the crowd. Major brands like Boohoo, JD Sports and Jacamo are headquartered here. Whilst Manchester originals like Private White VC, Gramm and the Dolls House are keeping the city on the map of the stylish.

On the flip side, Manchester is the UK focal point for counterfeit goods. Counterfeiting is a crime, and takes money from the legal creators, which in turn can make it hard for those trying to make a legal living. By buying fake goods you will be funding organised crime; and be out of pocket for a product that could be defective or dangerous.


What is counterfeit /fake goods?

Usually clothes, bags, accessories, perfumes that imitate recognised brands, as well as pirated or illegally streamed films, music and computer games.

Stay safe – protecting yourself and your family

Packaging – attention to detail through the whole product is important, but fakes often skimp on packaging. Check the boxes, shopping tags and labels.

The Shop – street markets and roller shuttered stores with no signage will not be authorised sellers, and neither does the real product ‘fall off the back of a lorry’. If the shop is piled high with racks of every brand imaginable, we can pretty much guarantee that it’s not the real deal.

Price - High end fashion doesn’t come cheap. If the price is too good to be true, its probably fake. To be sure, log onto the brands website to compare prices.

Product – trust your instincts. It’s not just the name you are paying for but the workmanship. Loose threads, unmatched patterns and cheap zips are all a tell-tale sign.


IP crime and enforcement for consumers

(Intellectual Property Office)

Find out more

If you think you have been sold fake goods, or if you suspect somebody is selling fake goods, contact Citizens Advice.

0808 223 1133

Alternatively can report anonymously with Crimestoppers

Crimestoppers  Citizens Advice


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